One of my wife’s favorite Christian authors is Joni Eareckson Tada. In her book A Place of Healing, Joni comments on Psalm 100: 2- “Serve the Lord with gladness!” (RSV). Joni states that this is a command, not an option. Whatever our current circumstances or the particular service to which God has called us, we are to do it heartily.
Joni contrasts the words of the Psalmist with Moses’ words in Deuteronomy 28: 47-48: “Because you did not serve the Lord joyfully and gladly . . . you will serve the enemies the Lord sends against you.” Joni emphasizes that she would go so far as to say that the Lord won’t bless service performed with a bitter, irritable, or resentful disposition.
I believe Joni is saying that when we are focused inwardly on a past hurt, that infects our attitudes and relationships with our employer, friends and family, the church, and most importantly God.
In the words of Pogo cartoonist Walt Kelly, “We have met the enemy and he is us.”
